I am going to be visiting your lovely city at the end of May.

I am pretty much decided on staying at either the Vogue, or the Sofitel, but I am very undecided between the two.

Can someone local help me by answering a few questions for me?

(1) I will be walking downtown a lot, wondered if the area around the Sofitel is safe to walk on foot in the late evening, i.e., midnight, 1 am?  I have stayed at the Vogue before and I feel pretty safe in that area but I am not sure about the Sofitel just a few blocks away.  

(2) As far as being hobby friendly, would you favor either of them?  Vogue is smaller, but I don't think that makes much of a difference.  If I am mistaken please let me know.

(3) I do not intend to have a car during my stay, so parking is a non issue.

(4) I will be touring the city on foot in the daytime as much as possible.

Any other considerations would be appreciated.  

Thanks again for your help, I am really looking forward to this trip.